The starting position of the veteran is Predicted to be contested by a rookie OL from Bills.
In March, the Buffalo Bills released veteran center Mitch Morse as part of their cost-cutting efforts. As a result, there may be an unexpected contender vying for his replacement on the offensive line.
Veteran center Will Clapp was signed by the Bills and a fifth-round draft pick was used to acquire Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran-Granger at center, setting up a competitive race for the starting position according to Pro Football Focus experts Jim Wyman and Dalton Wasserman.
It was observed by the duo that Van Pran-Granger possesses an impressive portfolio and may outshine Clapp in securing the position.
According to the report, it’s rare for a rookie fifth-rounder like Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, who previously played center for Georgia Bulldogs, to immediately start. However, he is currently in that position. During his three-year stint with Georgia as a starter player at center position he always ensured consistency and never failed below 850 snaps per season nor posted less than a PFF grade of 71.0 throughout those seasons. Notably this year was one of his best performances having an overall impressive score of 79 .7 points on PFF following excellent pass-blocking performance scoring him 81 .5 points & run blocking performance giving him another good rating grading around about76 .9% mark.
Offensive Line Training Camp Competition
The starting job at first was within Clapp’s reach, according to the PFF analysts. However, he would have to fend off a growingly acclimatized Van Pran-Granger if he wanted to maintain his position.
The report pointed out that although Will Clapp is currently slated to start at center, it wouldn’t be unexpected to see Van Pran-Granger take the field soon.
Having played in the NFL for seven years, Clapp has 21 starts to his name. During last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, he made 11 of those appearances after Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley was forced to step back due to a heart-related matter.
According to Ryan Miller from the Democrat & Chronicle, Clapp has gained a wealth of experience playing multiple positions as both a guard and center. Additionally, he has even been utilized as a tackle and tight end in jumbo packages during his time with the Saints due to his versatility.
Another candidate has emerged for the position of center in the Bills team.
According to Miller, the Bills might consider promoting one of their current linemen for the center position. He proposed that guard Connor McGovern could replace Morse and open up a spot for Clapp to compete at either of the guard positions.
Miller suggested that if McGovern moved to center, Clapp, David Edwards and Alec Anderson would compete for the left guard position. Alternatively, Clapp could serve as a backup center while McGovern remained at left tackle for continuity. Another option is starting Clapp at center to maintain consistency with McGovern in his current role at left tackle according to Miller’s statement.
In March, McGovern conveyed his affirmation for the decision as he had exposure to all positions on the offensive line while playing for Dallas Cowboys, as informed by him in a media briefing.
According to RochesterFirst.com, McGovern stated that his objective upon arriving in Dallas was to familiarize himself with all five positions. He believed it would facilitate him understanding the offense better. As a result of playing guard for some time, he felt more at ease towards transitioning back into center position.
When taking over at center, McGovern could utilize the protection-calling skills he honed while working closely with Morse last year.
McGovern stated that he has consistently attempted to assist Mitch in his communications. Despite being completely competent, Mitch would occasionally require assistance and McGovern was there to provide it. This year, the process appeared seamless as everyone trusted him with their mike points and attentively listened to what he had to say.
